Sous les platanes

Mathias Dandine, who is also the chef behind La Magdeleine in Gémenos, is at the helm of this old Provençal country house (or bastide) in this small village a short drive from Aix-en-Provence train station. Whether you are dining on the terrace shaded by plane trees or in the elegant, contemporary space done out in Mediterranean style, you are served Provençal cuisine inspired by the classics of Jean-Baptiste Reboul. Fine seasonal local produce, meticulous cooking, flavourful sauces, precise seasoning: chef Guillaume Lemelle skilfully conjures up delightful dishes such as octopus confit with s

In this restaurant near Aix-en-Provence, head chef Nicolas Bottero (previously in Grenoble) serves up exciting, flavoursome and fragrant cuisine. As a child, he used to spend time in the region visiting his grandmother, and has retained an affection for the colours of the South of France and an attachment to the land. You can tell as much from the green asparagus from Mallemort, sautéed à la minute, with creamy morels and a vin jaune emulsion, or the blood oranges on a baba au rhum infused with star anise and a refreshing sorbet. Local farmers are among his suppliers, and a small kitchen garde

Olives, which are central to Pierre Reboul’s work, inspired both the low-key, natural interior of his restaurant and his cuisine steeped in creativity. In the stylish, intimate setting of the Renaissance Hotel, exclusive materials and olive-green shades set the scene. A terrace framed by two olive trees and a counter overlooking the open-plan kitchen add the final touches to the portrait. The Chef celebrates regional produce in dishes that look as good as they taste: trompe-l’oeil olives explode in the mouth, a delicate, inventive trilogy on a Mediterranean shrimp theme or a subtle, crunchy co

Non-conformist chef Loïc Pétri cut his teeth in leading Parisian establishments (Jean-François Piège, Joël Robuchon) before going back to his roots in the south of France. In the heart of the historical part of Aix, in his intimate, contemporary-style restaurant with just 12 covers, he lets his inspiration run riot with a single set menu guided by the seasons. With bold associations and a savvy use of oils, spices and chillies, his free-spirited cooking elevates the finest ingredients, such as bass, lobster and sweetbreads, which are treated with care and dexterity. You can sense the commitmen

This handsome mansion in the heart of Salon-de-Provence is the lair of Alexandre Lechêne. He treats diners to remarkably creative cuisine unveiled in surprise set menus that adhere to a single guideline: "Go with the flow"! The beautifully plated dishes showcase market garden produce and local fruit, such as flame-seared Mediterranean liche (fish) paired with a medley of parsnips and a fishbone stock. Fresh, tasty and perfectly seasoned! The combinations of ingredients can be daring but are always spot on and deftly crafted. The stylish interior sports mouldings, frescoes on the ceiling, Prove

In this 18C bastide, chef Mathieu Derible presents pared-back cuisine rooted in Provençal traditions. Nods to Normandy and Burgundy permeate his creations, reflecting his training under great masters. The remarkably precise sauces complement fine ingredients in simply presented dishes. Overlooking the château's formal garden, the terrace is a magical setting in which to discover a wine list with plenty of labels from Burgundy and Provence. Attentive service is the icing on the cake of this serene and refined experience.

In a shady little side street in the old town, three young partners, les galinas (or "big boys" in Provençal), opened this bistro with a view to bringing back Provençal cuisine in the vein of grandma's home cooking. True to their watchwords of simplicity and flavour, they steer clear of exotic recipes and convoluted new takes on dishes; rather, they keep things local, when it comes to both the vibe and the food: Provençal-style tomatoes (a master class!), competition-level aioli, lamb tripe or monkfish raïto sauce to die for… thanks to the freshest ingredients and a sure hand. A warm welcome.